If you’ve ever dreamed of waking up to the smell of fresh-baked cinnamon rolls without any fuss, you’re going to love this Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. I absolutely love how this turns out—soft, gooey, and sweet with just the right amount of cinnamon spice. Whether you’re a baking newbie or a seasoned pro, you’ll find that making these from scratch is easier than you think, and trust me, your kitchen will smell like heaven.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Rise Wonder: This recipe skips multiple rises, making your cinnamon roll journey simpler and faster.
- Soft & Gooey: Achieve that perfect tender crumb with a creamy, dreamy frosting every time.
- Perfect for Beginners: I was new to yeast baking when I tried this, and it made success totally doable.
- Flexible & Customizable: Easily tailor fillings, toppings, and add-ins to suit your taste and occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
I love how straightforward the ingredients list is for this Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe—basic pantry staples that work beautifully together for that soft dough and rich filling. Plus, grabbing good quality butter and cream cheese makes all the difference in flavor and texture.
- All-purpose flour: Essential for structure; spoon and level it for accuracy to keep your dough perfectly soft.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to the dough base.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
- Whole milk: Warmed to activate the yeast and tenderize the dough.
- Unsalted butter: Melted in the dough, and softened on top for that buttery cinnamon swirl.
- Instant yeast: Platinum Yeast from Red Star works great here, but any instant yeast will do—no proofing needed.
- Large egg: Adds richness and helps bind the dough.
- Brown sugar: Richer than white sugar and perfect for the cinnamon filling.
- Ground cinnamon: The star of the show—pick fresh, fragrant cinnamon for the best flavor.
- Cream cheese: Softened for a luscious, tangy frosting.
- Confectioners’ sugar: For that smooth, sweet icing texture.
- Pure vanilla extract: Brightens the frosting with warm, sweet notes.
Variations
I like to mix things up with my Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe depending on the season or who I’m baking for. It’s super fun to try different fillings and toppings—a little creativity goes a long way to making this recipe your own.
- Nutty Upgrade: I once tossed chopped pecans into the cinnamon sugar swirl and my family went crazy for the extra crunch.
- Vegan Twist: Swap the milk and butter for plant-based versions, and use a vegan cream cheese to make these rolls vegan-friendly without losing that classic texture.
- Fruit Filled: Diced apples or raisins mixed into the filling make these rolls a cozy autumn treat.
- Different Icing: Sometimes I trade the cream cheese frosting for a simple vanilla glaze or even coffee icing for a grown-up touch.
How to Make Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Whisk and Warm
Start by whisking together the flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Then heat your milk and butter gently until the butter melts and the liquid feels warm to the touch—about 110°F (43°C) is perfect. Too hot and you’ll kill the yeast; too cold and it won’t activate. Stir in the yeast until dissolved.
Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough
Pour your warm milk mixture into the dry ingredients, add the egg, and mix until a soft dough forms. I like using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment for this step, but a wooden spoon works too. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for 3-5 minutes until it’s smooth and just a little springy. If it feels sticky, sprinkle a little more flour, but be careful—a too-dry dough can make your rolls tough.
Step 3: Roll, Butter, and Sprinkle
Roll your dough into a neat 14×8-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter all over, then mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle it evenly. I discovered this trick: make sure the butter is well softened so it spreads easily without tearing your dough. Roll the rectangle tightly lengthwise into a 14-inch log and slice into 10-12 even pieces.
Step 4: Let Rise and Bake
Arrange your rolls snugly in a greased round or square pan, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled—usually about 60 to 90 minutes. I like to set mine near a warm oven that’s turned off but still cozy inside. Then bake at 375°F (190°C) for 24-27 minutes until golden. If they start browning too fast on top, tent with foil. A quick temp check with a thermometer around 195-200°F internal temp is a foolproof way to know they’re done.
Step 5: Creamy Frosting Finale
While the rolls bake or right after, whip together your cream cheese, butter, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla until smooth and dreamy. Spread this on warm rolls for instant gooeyness. I can’t tell you how many times making this frosting while the rolls bake has saved me from kitchen chaos—it’s all about timing!
Pro Tips for Making Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Perfect Dough Temperature: Always check milk temperature with a thermometer—too hot kills yeast, too cold slows rise.
- Even Slicing: Use dental floss or a sharp serrated knife for clean, even cinnamon roll slices without squishing.
- Rise Spot: I learned my rolls rise best near my slightly warm oven; a drafty or cool room slows the process.
- Don’t Skip Softening Your Fillings: Softening butter and cream cheese ensures easier spreading and a better texture.
How to Serve Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it classic with the cream cheese frosting, but sometimes I like to add a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted pecans or a drizzle of extra vanilla glaze just before serving. These little touches add a bit of crunch or shine that make the rolls feel extra special.
Side Dishes
For a weekend brunch, I love pairing these cinnamon rolls with fresh fruit—think berries or sliced apples—and a rich cup of coffee or your favorite tea. The light freshness balances beautifully with the sweet rolls, and it makes the whole meal feel complete without being overwhelming.
Creative Ways to Present
Once for a holiday, I turned the cinnamon rolls into a pull-apart “cinnamon roll wreath” by arranging the slices in a ring on a baking sheet—everyone loved tearing off their own piece! You can also add colored sprinkles or mix in chopped dried fruits and nuts to mix up textures and looks for special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
My family just can’t get enough, but when there are leftovers, I store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day. For longer storage, refrigeration works well up to five days and keeps the rolls fresh and safe.
Freezing
I usually freeze the cinnamon rolls right after slicing but before the second rise—line them on a sheet, freeze, then transfer to a bag. This way, you can pop them into a pan, let rise, and bake fresh whenever the craving hits. You can also freeze baked and frosted rolls wrapped tightly for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To revive leftover rolls, I like warming them in the oven at 300°F wrapped in foil for about 10-15 minutes or in the microwave for 20-30 seconds covered with a damp paper towel to keep them soft. Add a little extra frosting or a dab of butter after reheating—delicious!
FAQs
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Can I make the Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe without a stand mixer?
Absolutely! You can easily mix and knead this dough by hand with a sturdy spoon and some elbow grease. Just make sure to knead the dough for about 3-5 minutes on a floured surface until it feels smooth and tacky but not sticky. It’s a great way to connect with the process and still get fantastic results.
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What’s the difference between instant yeast and active dry yeast in this recipe?
This recipe calls for instant yeast because it mixes directly with dry ingredients and needs no proofing—that means less fuss and faster prep. If you only have active dry yeast, you’ll want to proof it in warm milk first until bubbly before mixing it with flour and other ingredients, but the end result is similar.
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Can I prepare the dough the night before?
Yes! After shaping the rolls, cover them tightly and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise before baking the next day. This makes for a wonderful fresh morning treat with less morning prep—a total win.
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How do I avoid dry or tough cinnamon rolls?
Don’t over-flour your dough and be sure not to skip softening butter and cream cheese for the filling and frosting. Also, watch your baking time carefully—pull the rolls out as soon as they’re golden and no longer doughy inside. These little steps keep them tender and moist.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe has become a personal favorite not just because it’s approachable, but because it’s also a little moment of joy I can share with people I love. When you make these, you’re not just baking rolls—you’re creating memories filled with warmth and sweetness. I hope you try this recipe soon and discover how satisfying it feels to bake homemade cinnamon rolls that everyone raves about. Happy baking, friend!
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Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hr 40 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Total Time: 2 hr 5 min
- Yield: 10-12 rolls
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This recipe for Easy Cinnamon Rolls from scratch is perfect for beginners and promises soft, fluffy rolls with a sweet cinnamon filling and a creamy, rich cream cheese icing. With just one dough rise, this recipe simplifies the classic treat, making it accessible without sacrificing flavor or texture. These cinnamon rolls are perfect for breakfast or dessert and deliver a comforting homemade experience.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 and 3/4 cups (344g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled), plus more as needed
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup (180ml) whole milk
- 3 Tablespoons (43g) unsalted butter
- 2 and 1/4 teaspoons Platinum Yeast from Red Star or any instant yeast (1 standard packet)
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
Filling Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons (43g) unsalted butter, extra softened
- 1/3 cup (67g) packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
Cream Cheese Icing Ingredients
- 4 ounces (113g) full-fat block cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 2 Tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 2/3 cup (80g) confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk the flour, sugar, and salt together in a large bowl. Set aside.
- Heat Milk and Butter, Add Yeast: Combine the milk and butter in a heatproof bowl and warm until the butter melts and the mixture is approximately 110°F (43°C). Whisk in the instant yeast until dissolved.
- Form Dough: Pour the warm milk mixture into the dry ingredients, add the egg, and stir vigorously with a rubber spatula, wooden spoon, or stand mixer on medium speed until a soft dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 3-5 minutes until smooth. Add a little flour if dough is too sticky. Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover loosely, and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Roll and Fill Dough: Roll dough out into a 14×8-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter over the dough. Mix cinnamon and brown sugar, then sprinkle evenly on top. Roll dough into a 14-inch log.
- Cut Rolls: Slice the log into 10 to 12 even rolls and place them in a greased 9- or 10-inch round cake pan or similar baking dish.
- Proof Rolls: Cover with foil, plastic wrap, or towel and let rise in a warm spot for 60–90 minutes until doubled in size.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake rolls for 24–27 minutes until lightly browned. If tops brown too fast, tent with foil. Rolls are done when internal temperature reads 195–200°F (91–93°C). Remove from oven and cool slightly on a wire rack.
- Make Icing: Beat cream cheese on high until smooth, then add butter and combine. Beat in confectioners’ sugar and vanilla until smooth.
- Frost Rolls and Serve: Spread cream cheese icing over warm rolls and serve immediately.
- Storage: Cover leftover rolls tightly; store at room temperature for up to 1 day or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Notes
- These cinnamon rolls require only one rise, making them ideal for beginners.
- You can customize toppings; this recipe uses simple cream cheese icing but coffee or vanilla icings are great alternatives.
- If rolls brown too quickly during baking, cover loosely with foil to prevent burning.
- Ensure milk mixture is warm but not hot to properly activate yeast.
- Roll length may be adjusted but yields about 10-12 rolls depending on thickness.
- Using a stand mixer can make dough preparation easier but is not required.
- Room temperature egg and softened butter ensure better dough texture and mixing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
